Written by

Lindsay Deutsch, USA TODAY

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has penned a message to Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the white-haired activist in the movie The Fifth Estate -- and it has been released just days before the film comes out on Oct. 18.

The letter states why, "with inexpressible regret," Assange turned down Cumberbatch's invitation to meet with him to discuss the role before filming. ...